A call for an intervention by a neutral UN peacekeeping force in war-torn Sierra Leone, classified as the poorest country in the world, has been made by Concern Worldwide.
Concern's Sierra Leone director, Ms Toireas Ni Bhriain, said fighting around the west African country's capital, Freetown, had led to a considerable deterioration in the humanitarian situation. Ms Ni Bhriain and 80 expatriates were evacuated on Christmas Eve. Nigerian reinforcements arrived last month to strengthen the intervention force, Ecomog, which was fighting the rebels, she said. However, Ecomog was dominated by Nigerian forces and was therefore not neutral, she said.